R-d1 / R4(a/m): Viewfinder+shutter Noise

[Kawabatnam]

To those who own or have some experience with both cameras, R-D1 and R4(a/m) --or R2 and R3
Lately I used a R-D1 and enjoyed it a lot! However it's not wide enough for me, the widest framelines being for 28mm lenses (about 42mm on a 35mm film camera). And I hate using external viewfinders ; even more after having lost 2 of them... they're not exactly cheap.
So I'm considering a Bessa R4(a/m) with a 21mm lens. I know that both cameras are from Cosina, and they look similar, but I'd like to check how the R4 viewfinder (clarity not framelines wise) and shutter noise compare to those of the R-D1.
Are they very similar as I guess or only remotely?
(my main camera being a very silent medium format Mamiya 6, the R-D1's shutter noise is about the maximum I would accept).

 

[Larry H-L]

Don't have an R4a, but do have an R2a & R2m.

I think the film bodies make slightly more noise than the RD-1, and have a bit more shutter bounce.

I've heard that the RD-1 doesn't have the "double" shutter, but don't know that for a fact.

Larry

 

[Particular]

I think they have the same shutter, so presumably similar shutter noise. I got to look through another members R4 this weekend, and must say it is a great viewfinder. It looks to me like a very nice set up combined with a 21mm lens. I didn't fire the shutter though.

 

[Larry H-L]

On Photo.net, Andy Piper says that the RD-1 doesn't need the Bessa's double shutter because a digital sensor can't "fog" from light leaks. So, different shutters.

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00L0Q0?start=10

 

[Guaranteed]

I'm not sure how to put it, my R-D1 and R3A aren't that different volume wise to my ears. I set both to 1/500th and the R-D1 sounds, I guess you could call it tinny and at almost a harsher higher pitch. While the Bessa has a lower softer pitch and sounds more substantial. I'd say if you were in a quiet environment you may hear the R-D1 further away than you would hear the Bessa.

Then again I'm no sound engineer, just a casual observation. I hope it helps.

 

[Kawabatnam]

I'm not sure how to put it, my R-D1 and R3A aren't that different volume wise to my ears. I set both to 1/500th and the R-D1 sounds, I guess you could call it tinny and at almost a harsher higher pitch. While the Bessa has a lower softer pitch and sounds more substantial. I'd say if you were in a quiet environment you may hear the R-D1 further away than you would hear the Bessa.

Then again I'm no sound engineer, just a casual observation. I hope it helps.

Thanks to all. Christian, how would you compare each viewfinder, clarity wise?

 

[Kawabatnam]

To those who own or have some experience with both cameras, R-D1 and R4(a/m) --or R2 and R3
Lately I used a R-D1 and enjoyed it a lot! However it's not wide enough for me, the widest framelines being for 28mm lenses (about 42mm on a 35mm film camera). And I hate using external viewfinders ; even more after having lost 2 of them... they're not exactly cheap.
So I'm considering a Bessa R4(a/m) with a 21mm lens. I know that both cameras are from Cosina, and they look similar, but I'd like to check how the R4 viewfinder (clarity not framelines wise) and shutter noise compare to those of the R-D1.
Are they very similar as I guess or only remotely?
(my main camera being a very silent medium format Mamiya 6, the R-D1's shutter noise is about the maximum I would accept).

Just in case for those interested, I can now answer my own question since I purchased a second hand R4A: Shutter noise in the latter is slightly louder and slightly higher in pitch than the R-D1's, though still far less noisier than film SLRs (than those I own at least); and the viewfinders are very similar except that the R4A's is obviously much less magnified to accommodate wide angle framelines. So far so good.

 

[michaeljk]

Lately I used a R-D1 and enjoyed it a lot! However it's not wide enough for me, the widest framelines being for 28mm lenses (about 42mm on a 35mm film camera). And I hate using external viewfinders ; even more after having lost 2 of them... they're not exactly cheap.
So I'm considering a Bessa R4(a/m) with a 21mm lens.

In case that you are still considering an Epson R-D1:
I recently sold mine. I used a CV 21mm lens on it, together with a (very rare!) CV 21mm D Viewfinder. This special VF is already calculated for the 1,5x crop-factor of the R-D1. More information:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3468

If someone wants to buy the VF, you can drop me a PM. I'm located in central europe (Germany).